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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday dismissed reports that an Indian-crewed tanker had come under attack off the coast of Oman, stating that all personnel aboard the vessel are safe.
The clarification came after claims circulated on social media alleging that MT Liaki Freedom had been hit near Oman and that crew members had been killed. The government said it immediately contacted the vessel to verify the reports.
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News agency IANS mentioned MEA sources as saying that officials spoke directly with the ship’s master, who confirmed that the tanker had not been attacked.
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“We have spoken with the Master of the vessel Liaki Freedom, who has confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the reported information is false,” a source said.
The ministry’s fact-check unit also issued a public warning against the spread of misinformation. In a post on X, it labelled the claim as fake and urged users to exercise caution while sharing unverified information online.
The viral post had alleged that MT Liaki Freedom was the target of a strike off Oman and claimed that four sailors had died in the incident.
Fake News Alert!
Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media. pic.twitter.com/Xn8I65LdKu
— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) June 13, 2026
Government moves quickly amid maritime security concerns
The clarification comes at a time of heightened concern over the safety of commercial vessels operating in waters around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
Officials moved quickly to establish contact with the tanker because of recent attacks and disruptions involving merchant ships in the region, several of which have involved Indian crew members.
Recent incidents have raised tensions
The latest misinformation surfaced amid continuing concern over attacks on commercial shipping routes near Oman.
Earlier, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer was struck while carrying 20 Indian seafarers.
India has also raised concerns with the United States over attacks on vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz. The issue gained further attention after three Indian nationals were killed in an attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the Omani coast.
On Friday, New Delhi summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to register its protest over continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
The United States has said it remains in direct contact with India regarding the matter.
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